What They're Saying: Lions 'Want to be Respected'
Here is a collection of what was said by Lions players during their final media session prior to the 2023 NFL season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:20 p.m. Thursday.
Aidan Hutchinson
On what he anticipates the environment to be like in Kansas City: “I haven’t had too crazy of comparisons that I can remember. But we all know the environment, it’s that college football environment. Having gone to a big school, I can already feel it. I think that’s why we’re all so excited. We know it’s prime time, we know it’s a big ass stadium, so we’re ready to go.”
On slowing down Patrick Mahomes: "He's tough to slow down, for sure. But from a D-line perspective, it's getting pressure. He's gonna evade pressure, but if you keep it consistent and keep sending it, eventually you're gonna get home."
Sam LaPorta
On his initial reaction to the Lions' playing in the NFL season opener: "When I heard the news, I was actually catching my flight (to Detroit) for OTAs. I just remember the chills, goosebumps that I had, like oh my gosh, in a couple months I’ll be opening up the season at Arrowhead. But a lot of work was put in before this moment.”
How Dan Campbell has explained Arrowhead Stadium to the team: “He was talking about how Arrowhead was built by the football gods and it’s just something you’ve got to experience once. So it’s cool that I get to do it in my first game, NFL debut.”
Levi Onwuzurike
On what playing Thursday will mean to him after missing all of 2022: "I mean it's real important. I've obviously been through a lot, like guys go through with injuries. Just the type of injury I had and the type of surgery I had, it means a lot to come back from that and play, I think. I don't know how to explain it, but it's a huge milestone."
The best piece of advice he got while rehabbing his injury: "It's simple, just work hard and stay positive. I think that's the key to a lot of things."
Penei Sewell
On being named a captain: "It means a lot. There's a lot of talent, great guys in the room so I don't hold it lightly."
How the Lions have prepared for Arrowhead Stadium: "They do a good job. I think the speakers probably blew out by the end of the week. It's gonna get us prepared and we're gonna be right for Thursday."
Taylor Decker
How he feels about the expectations for the Lions: "It's everything in our business. You want to be respected and you want to be a team that people want to watch. The fandom drives our game, so our fans deserve a good product on the field. We'll see where we're at on Thursday."
On the excitement of beginning a new season: "That's coupled with the excitement throughout Detroit, the fan base and throughout kind of the entire country to kind of see if the Lions are for real or not. Obviously we finished last season strong, but this is a new year. We've got to go out there and kind of see what we've got. Yeah it's gonna be fun, it's something you definitely look forward to in a way. But it's also like, two weeks ago, we had a scrimmage against our defense. If you're looking ahead and not performing then, you're doing a disservice to yourself."
